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What Is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance. We need cholesterol to
build cell membranes, make Vitamin D, sex and adrenal hormones and
bile acids.
Your liver produces most of the cholesterol your body needs to
work properly. This together with the cholesterol from the food you
eat make up the total cholesterol in your blood, known as blood
cholesterol.
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Your Blood Cholesterol is Made
up of
High Density Lipoproteins (HDLs)
Low Density Lipoprotiens (LDLs)
Triglycerides
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High Density Lipoprotiens (HDLs) is known as
the "Good Cholesterol" remove excess cholesterol, prevents
cholesterol build-up in the blood vessels, and lowers your risk of
heart disease.
Low Density Lipoprotiens (LDLs) is known as
the "Bad Cholesterol". The cholesterol and fat from the
LDLs is the main source of dangerous build-up and blockage in blood
vessels.
Triglycerides are another type of fat in the
bloodstream, which is used by your muscle to provide your body with
energy. Excess triglycerides put you at higher risk of heart attack.
For a healthy individual your blood cholesterol
levels should be as follows:
| Total cholesterol |
Less than 5.2mmol/L (200mg/dL) |
| HDL - Cholesterol |
More than or equal to 1.0 mmol/L (40mg/dL) |
| LDL - Cholesterol |
Less than 3.4mmol/L (130mg/dL) |
| Triglycerides |
Less than 2.3mmol/L (200mg/dL) |
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